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Look: Exo’s D.O Drops Teaser for Solo Album ‘Expectation’

D.O. poses in the teaser of EXO's 'Cream Soda' music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

Save the date, EXO-Ls because soloist D.O. is back! EXO’s D.O. released on Friday, September 1, the teaser for his upcoming second solo mini album Expectation. 

In the teaser, the vocalist is seen sitting in front of a desk and deep in thought. Additionally, EXO’s official social media accounts also changed their icons to signify the start of a new era. 

 

According to reports, Expectation will consist of seven emotional tracks that will showcase D.O’s excellent vocal abilities.

 

Other details about Expectation have yet to be unveiled as of writing, but D.O. has already hinted about his second solo album. 

In a previous interview, the singer revealed that he finished the album preparations including the recording, filming for music videos, and jacket photos in May 2022. 

“I wanted to start preparing early so I have completed them before getting involved in other shoots. The album will consist of acoustic-like songs that I love so much.”, he said.

Additionally, D.O. promised that once the album is released, he’ll conduct an event where he can meet his fans. 

D.O. as a soloist

Following the news, EXO-Ls couldn’t help but to express their excitement as it’s been awhile since D.O. had a solo music release. Some are also anticipating the genre of his tracks since the vocalist is known to be one of the leading singers in the industry. 

On social media, fans of EXO are already calling it a “masterpiece” and “album of the year.” 

 

D.O. released his first solo album Empathy in July 2021. It topped the iTunes Top Album charts in 60 regions around the world. On top of that, the album excelled locally as well as it ranked No. 1 on South Korea’s daily album charts including Hanteo Chart, Synnara Record, and HOTTRACKS

The singer’s first album had a total of eight tracks including the Korean and English versions of its title track “Rose”, which he personally wrote lyrics for. Aside from “Rose,” D.O. also wrote the track “I’m Fine.”

 

Also, Empathy has two bonus songs: the English version of “Rose,” and “Si Fueras Mia,” the Spanish version of another B-side track, “It’s Love.”

With the success of Empathy, it’s not surprising that fans can no longer wait to see what D.O. has to show as a soloist after two years.

Aside from his upcoming solo album Expectation, the artist also recently finished promoting EXO’s seventh full-length album EXIST and his film The Moon. 

As an actor, D.O. goes by his real name Doh Kyung-soo. His first major acting role was in the 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love where he played Han Gang Woo. Since then, he has appeared in Hello Monster, My Annoying Brother,Room No. 7, and Swing Kids, among others.

Featured image: D.O. poses in the teaser of EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’ music video. Credit: Facebook/EXO

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Super Junior’s Donghae and Eunhyuk Establish Ode Entertainment

Super Junior D&E during filming for their 'Zero' music video. Credit: Facebook/Super Junior

Super Junior members Donghae and Eunhyuk marked a new milestone in the career with the establishment of their own agency ODE Entertainment. 

In a press release to Newsen, the newly-minted label confirmed that it was established by the Super Junior members.

“[They] have taken their place as co-CEOs after the expiration of their contracts with SM Entertainment,” the statement continued. 

Additionally, Super Junior’s longtime manager Wong Yon Sun also came with the two idols in ODE Entertainment. 

 

The confirmation came more than a month after Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun left SM Entertainment. Currently, Kyuhyun is  the Antenna agency.

Despite their departure from the agency as individuals, the three will continue participating as members of Super Junior. The group, which debuted in 2005, has renewed its contract with SM Entertainment.

Interestingly, the two joined the growing roster of K-pop idols who established their own entertainment agencies. The list includes Kang Daniel, Kim Sohye, HIGHLIGHT, and INFINITE among others. 

What’s next for Donghae and Eunhyuk?

While there’s still no additional details about Donghae and Eunhyuk’s plans for ODE Entertainment, fans are already looking forward to this new start for the idols. 

Especially that Eunhyuk and Donghae have also been promoting as the Super Junior sub-unit D&E. The duo, who was the fifth sub-unit of Super Junior, made their debut in 2011. 

As a unit, the act is known for their songs “Oppa, Oppa,” “B.A.D,” “Can You Feel It?” “Danger,” “Growing Pains,” and “Bout You.” 

As of now, the two are also embarking on their Delight Party fan concert tour. 

Moreover, Donghae was recently confirmed to star in the upcoming romantic-comedy series Man and Woman. Meanwhile, Eunhyuk is an artist director in the pre-debut reality show NCT Universe: LASTART.

As for group activities, they’re also set to star in the travel show Knights of the Lamp. 

Featured image: Super Junior D&E during filming for their ‘Zero’ music video. Credit: Facebook/Super Junior

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TOMORROW X TOGETHER to Perform New Single at the MTV VMAs 2023

TOMORROW X TOGETHER for their 2023 Season's Greetings. Credit: Facebook/TOMORROW X TOGETHER

MOAs, you do not want to miss this! MTV confirmed that K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is one of the performers for their upcoming 2023 Video Music Awards (VMAs). 

Both TXT and the VMAs announced the news through social media on Thursday, August 31. And what makes it even more exciting is that the quintet will be premiering special stages for the prestigious music festival. 

 

According to reports, TXT will have a debut performance of a special track from their upcoming studio album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.

Aside from the much anticipated pre-release track, the “Good Boy Gone Bad” singers will also be having a special collaboration performance with Brazilian singer Anitta. With this, TXT becomes the first Kp-pop group to showcase a genre-fusing collaboration at the VMAs.

Besides TXT and Anitta, the new roster of artists revealed to be part of the show includes Doja Cat, Lill Wayne, and Kelsea Ballerini. They will be joining the previously announced lineup of Stray Kids, Demi Lovato, Karol G, and Maneskin.

Interestingly, this year will mark the first time for the VMAs to have two K-pop acts as performers. Previously, only worldwide sensations BTS and BLACKPINK have performed in the show. 

Aside from performing at the VMAs, TXT also garnered two nominations in the show. They’re nominees for the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-Pop categories, both for their recent title track “Sugar Rush Ride.”

The 2023 MTV VMAs will air live on September 12, 8PM ET.

VMAs and more: 2023 is a year of breakthroughs for TXT

Following the news, MOAs (TXT’s fandom) couldn’t help but to express their excitement towards the group’s upcoming performances. Others also looked back at how 2023 has indeed gifted the group with so many breakthroughs. 

Earlier this year, TXT hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the first time with their The Name Chapter: Temptation EP. 

They also released their “Do It Like That” collaboration with American band Jonas Brothers in July, amid their ACT: Sweet Mirage” world tour. The collaboration immediately dominated the charts, hitting No.1 on iTunes Top Songs charts worldwide.

 

Additionally, TXT has yet made another milestone as they headlined Lollapalooza in August, making them the first ever South Korean group to rock the major US Festival. For that show, they surprised fans with a mash-up performance of “Happy Fools” and “Players” with American rapper Coi Leray.

After the VMAs, TXT is set to gear up and make preparations for their upcoming albumThe Name Chapter: FREEFALL, which will be released on October 13. 

Featured image: TOMORROW X TOGETHER for their 2023 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Facebook/TOMORROW X TOGETHER

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Estimated Gross of ‘Born Pink World Tour’ at 350 Billion KRW

In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, BLACKPINK stands out as a beacon of success and influence. This quartet, celebrated for their captivating beauty and unwavering chart dominance, has redefined the very essence of global superstardom. Their journey, marked by hit singles and sold-out concerts, has been a testament to their unparalleled talent and charisma.

BLACKPINK – ‘B.P.M.’ Roll #28

Starting their ‘Born Pink’ world tour in October 2022, BLACKPINK performed in some of the world’s most iconic cities. From Australian arenas to New York streets, they left an indelible mark with each performance. This musical odyssey, spanning almost a year, is set to conclude with a grand finale next month at the renowned Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea.

The financial figures emerging from this year-long tour are nothing short of breathtaking. Reports suggest that the group has grossed a staggering 350 billion KRW, approximately 264.5 million USD. This monumental sum has not only left fans in awe but has also ignited a flurry of discussions among netizens.

BLACKPINK wows netizens

Many online users have expressed their admiration, with comments such as “They’re like a high-earning corporation” and “The numbers are truly impressive.” Curiosity also abounds, with fans pondering over the individual earnings of each member and the percentage that BLACKPINK receives from the tour’s total revenue.

BLACKPINK – ‘B.P.M.’ Roll #29

Beyond the numbers, what’s truly remarkable is BLACKPINK‘s ability to connect with fans from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Their music transcends boundaries, and their performances are a blend of powerful vocals, intricate choreography, and mesmerizing visuals.

BLACKPINK‘s ‘Born Pink’ world tour showcased their musical talents and highlighted their immense earning potential. As they continue to break barriers and set new standards, the world eagerly awaits their next move. Their journey, from being K-pop idols to global superstars, serves as an inspiration to many. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: In what has become a tradition for them, the girls posed for a groufie with everyone who came to watch the Bay Area concert. Source: Twitter/@BLACKPINK.

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ENHYPEN Premiered ‘Criminal Love’ on M Countdown

As a way to give back some of the love their fans have showered them with, the seven-member boy group ENHYPEN made a surprise appearance on M Countdown. This wasn’t just any performance; they debuted “Criminal Love,” a second song from the soundtrack of HYBE’s original webtoon Dark Moon: Altar of the Moon.

Released just last month, the lyrics of “Criminal Love” paint a vivid picture of a dangerous love, one that’s continuously yearned for despite a recurring cruel fate. The song is more than just lyrics and music; it’s an experience. With ENHYPEN‘s slick choreography and strong vocals, it’s not surprising the song has garnered so much attention.

Before “Criminal Love” hit streaming services (and before the boys performed it on M Countdown), fans got a sneak peek at the song during ENHYPEN‘s second world tour. Held on the 29th and 30th of the previous month, the choreography of the song elicited enthusiastic cheers from the crowd at the KSPO Dome. Such was the impact of this performance that “Criminal Love” dominated social media real-time trends in South Korea for two consecutive days. Moreover, on the day of the song’s official release, its title and the septet’s name snagged the 2nd and 4th spots on Melon’s real-time search, indicating an explosive response from fans.

ENHYPEN is marking a new roadmap for K-pop

In K-pop, it’s quite rare for an artist to perform a song outside of their album activities on a music show. But ENHYPEN isn’t your run-of-the-mill group. They combined the music and story IP for the soundtrack of Dark Moon: Altar of the Moon. They also incorporated it into the mini album DARK BLOOD. This innovative approach solidified their unique color in the industry. In essence, the boys are marking a new roadmap for K-pop.

As of this writing, ENHYPEN is gearing up for a series of shows in Japan. After hitting the Kyocera Dome on September 2 and 3, they’ll make history with their Tokyo Dome concerts on September 13 and 14. Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Jungwon, Ni-Ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo will set a new record for the shortest time it has taken a K-pop boy group to perform at Tokyo Dome since debut.

That achievement alone proves that ENHYPEN‘s journey, marked by their unique approach to their craft, continues to captivate fans worldwide. Meanwhile, their performance of “Criminal Love” on M Countdown is a testament to their growing influence in the world of K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENGENEs went wild over the boys’ ‘Criminal Love’ debut on M Countdown. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

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Fans Protest Against SM Entertainment for Alleged Mistreatment of NCT’s Jaemin

NCT's Jaemin in the teasers for 'Golden Age.' Credit: Facebook/NCT

Amidst the ongoing promotional activities for the album Golden Age, several fans have called out SM Entertainment for allegedly not giving fair and equal treatment for NCT’s Jaemin. 

With the hashtags “Respect Jaemin as artist,” “SM be fair to Jaemin,” and “Jaemin deserves better,” fans have listed down their complaints for the agency’s supposed unfair conduct towards the idol. 

SM Entertainment’s alleged behavior towards NCT’s Jaemin 

According to fans, there have been multiple instances wherein SM Entertainment’s treatment of Jaemin has been concerning. 

One of the listed circumstances was during NCT DREAM’s promotional activities for their third studio album ISTJ. Eagle-eyed fans claim that Jaemin’s TikTok challenge videos were predominantly shot on the filming sites for the group’s music video or concert venues. However, fans pointed out that the idol already mentioned that he did the challenge with other artists. But a quick scroll on NCT DREAM’s TikTok account would show that it wasn’t uploaded. 

 

Next, fans also noticed that Jaemin was the only member who used the same photo for the poster of NCT Nation: To The World. Other NCT members had different concept photos in the several posters. Aside from the poster, other fans also mentioned that Jaemin was once excluded in a VCR, too. 

 

Additionally, fans raised the alarm about Jaemin’s styling. A compilation of his previous wardrobe and looks showed that most of his outfits were repetitive. More than not being given accessories, fans were more worried about the clothing and shoes that the idol used that are bigger than his size. 

 

But what really dismayed the fans was the lack of opportunities for Jaemin to act or be a brand ambassador. Even hough he already received an acting award, he hadn’t had any recent engagements for dramas or any brand deals. 

 

Because of this, fans couldn’t help but air out their discontent for the agency. In fact, some fans even sent protest trucks in front of SM Entertainment’s building. 

However, the label has yet to react or acknowledge the issue. 

Dramas in NCT Land

Nonetheless, Jaemin’s situation isn’t the only controversy surrounding an NCT member recently. 

Currently, SM Entertainment is pursuing legal action against an individual who trespassed into Jaehyun’s hotel room. 

Meanwhile, fans were also concerned about the members’ health conditions. They also slammed the agency for not putting the artist’s health and safety their priority. 

That is because Taeyong has complained about having chest discomfort, while Taeil  sustained a fracture in his thigh because of a motorcycle . Moreover, other members such as Winwin, Renjun, Haechan, Johnny, and Chenle were also experiencing health problems in the previous months. 

Despite the series of issues though, NCT still remains to be booked and busy. They’ve been releasing music videos for the tracks for Golden Age. 

Also, they’re set to embark on the Japan stops for their concert tour. As for NCT 127, another NCT subunit, they’re making a comeback in October with their fifth full-length album Fact Check. 

In early August, NCT also announced four upcoming releases from its NCT LAB project. 

Featured image: NCT’s Jaemin in the teasers for ‘Golden Age.’ Credit: Facebook/NCT

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2PM’s Nichkhun Discusses NSFW Scenes in ‘The Modelizer’

2PM member Nichkhun opened up about the R-rated scenes he had to film for his upcoming movie 'The Modelizer'

Nichkhun has a good reason for not showing his mother his latest movie ‘The Modelizer’. The 2PM member revealed that he had to film some NSFW scenes for his new project!

2PM’s Nichkhun Opens Up About Sexy Scenes In Latest Movie

On the episode of ‘HK Coin’ that aired on August 31st, the 2PM members celebrated their 15th anniversary. During the show, Nichkhun discussed his recent busy schedule. He mentioned, “I’ve been travelling abroad lately. I’ve even had the opportunity to work on a Hollywood movie.”

His fellow 2PM groupmates chimed in, describing the film as, “A love story with a sensational, dark, and unconventional twist.” But when the topic turned to whether there were any revealing scenes in the movie, the 2PM members humorously revealed that the content was more R-rated than they initially expected.

Nichkhun agreed with his fellow members. He humorously shared, “When I went to shoot the second half of the movie, the first scene made me feel, for the first time, that I didn’t want my mom to watch it.”

Nichkhun might be known as a member of 2PM but he has also established himself as an actor and model. In 2021, Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul and Hwang Chan-sung made special cameo appearances in “Vincenzo” to support their bandmate Ok Taec-yeon. He was later cast in ‘The Modelizer’ alongside Hollywood actor Byron Mann. In the film, they portrayed the roles of affluent family scions who embark on a journey to Hong Kong. Along the way, they encounter a series of events that profoundly enlighten them about the true essence of love and friendship.

Nichkhun debuted with 2PM in 2008 and the group dropped their debut song “10 Out of 10”, which showcased their acrobatic dance styles. They then achieved their first number 1 single with “Again & Again”. In 2009, Jay Park left the group. The remaining members include Jun. K (formerly known as Junsu), Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho and Chansung.

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ChoA Opens up About Leaving AOA, Refutes Marriage Rumors

ChoA shares her profile photos for her YouTube channel. Credit: Instagram/ChoA

Six years after leaving the K-pop girl group AOA, ChoA once again spoke about the marriage rumors that started circulating after departure. 

In the Tuesday, August 28 episode of Taek Hae Joon’s YouTube show No Back Tak Jae Hoon, the idol opened up about her former group. 

“We originally started with seven. The members left one by one, though. And I was the first one to leave,” ChoA said. “But I still root for all of them since they are my sisters.” 

 

Then, the host directly asked her if she was married. To which, ChoA vehemently denied. 

It can be recalled that when the singer left AOA in June 2017, she revealed that she was suffering from so much stress and depression during group activities. Additionally, she disclosed that she was taking medication and reduced her schedule for the previous years as a way to cope. 

However, it still didn’t help and she ultimately decided to cease all of her idol activities instead. 

 

After her departure from the group, she was embroiled in dating rumors with a game company CEO. For her part, ChoA quickly refuted the allegations. “I’m not pregnant, nor did I have an abortion or am leaving the group to get married,” she said then. 

During the Tuesday episode, the artist once again insisted that she never got married. 

 

“People were saying, ‘Why is she leaving when things are going so well?’ Then, dating rumors came up. And then it turned into ‘she got married,” she explained. 

Furthermore, she clarified that she didn’t even date the one she was being linked to. 

ChoA’s real reason of leaving AOA

This isn’t the first time that the idol opened up about why she left AOA and took a long hiatus from the entertainment industry. 

During a February 2021 episode of On and Off, she recalled her mental state when she was doing idol activities. 

“I thought I was a very positive and optimistic person, but one day it was like the fuse had blown. Then I suddenly felt tired. And I couldn’t sleep well and my exhaustion kept building up,” she said. 

Next, in a September 2021 episode of Oh Eun Young’s Golden Nugget Counseling Center, she once again talked about suffering from depression. 

“I wanted to run away because it was difficult for me to see myself,” she said about taking a hiatus. 

She added: “When a person can’t sleep well and feels depressed, they start thinking in negative ways. From a certain point, I had a really hard time watching myself on the monitor. I wanted to do a little better, but I didn’t feel as if I was. I really didn’t like that.”

ChoA after leaving AOA

ChoA made her debut in 2012 as the vocalist of the girl group AOA under FNC Entertainment. 

She withdrew from the group in 2017 but only left the agency in May 2019 following her contract expiration. In the same year, she transferred to Great M Entertainment.

Since then, ChoA has released original soundtracks. In April 2022, she released her first single since her hiatus called “Yesterday.” 

 

Additionally, she’s been uploading videos on her personal YouTube channel and appearing on several variety shows. 

Featured image: ChoA shares her profile photos for her YouTube channel. Credit: Instagram/ChoA

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Former IZ*ONE Member Honda Hitomi Reveals Final AKB48 Activity

Former IZ*ONE member Hitomi Honda has been a part of AKB48 since 2014 and only graduated from the group this year

Hitomi Honda has graduated from AKB48. The Japanese idol, who became a member of IZ*ONE as part of the program, confirmed her graduation in a social media post.

Hitomi Honda Officially Leaving AKB48

On August 30, Honda Hitomi delivered news of her graduation from AKB48 on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, she reflected on her time with the Japanese girl group.

“As a representative of Tochigi-ken in AKB48 Team 8, I joined the team at 12 years old and was promoted as a part of the group for 10 years,” Honda wrote. “As a member of AKB48, as a member of IZ*ONE, and as a selected member of the main team, not to mention being chosen as the center twice, I was able to grow while gaining valuable experiences.”

“Thank you so much for supporting me for the last 10 years, even though I was so inexperienced,” she continued. “I will be leaving this giving environment where I was so blessed, but I will not forget your love and support for me as I take on new challenges and test my capabilities.”

Hitomi Honda Reveals Final AKB48 Project

Honda then assured fans that they would still see her with the group. As it turns out, she will still be a part of AKB48 until next month.

“As the single set for release on September 27 will be my last activity as a member of AKB48, I will be participating in all group events currently being announced. Details on my graduation performance will be revealed at a later time,” she wrote.

AKB48 was established under the premise of being “idols you can meet”. In Japanese culture, idols are performers who rely on direct fan support. The close relationship between idols and their fans fosters a sense of loyalty and devotion. The group’s primary producer, Yasushi Akimoto, aimed to create a distinctive idol group that would perform regularly in its own theater, as opposed to other idol groups that only perform sporadically and appear primarily on television. The AKB48 Theater is located in the Don Quijote store in Akihabara, Tokyo.

Hitomi Honda debuted as part of IZ*ONE in 2018. She announced her departure when her contract expired in 2021.

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GIRL’S DAY Member Hyeri Speaks Out Over Delta Air Lines Seat Downgrade

The GIRL'S DAY member criticized Delta Air Lines for unexpectedly giving her a seat downgrade during a recent flight

Lee Hyeri recently took to social media to voice her dissatisfaction with Delta Air Lines for an unexpected downgrade of her seat without prior notice. The GIRL’S DAY member expressed her frustration over the airline’s decision, highlighting the lack of a clear explanation for the downgrade.

GIRL’S DAY Member Hyeri Gets Unexpected Seat Downgrade From Delta Air Lines

In a post shared on her Instagram story on August 31, Hyeri disclosed that Delta Air Lines had downgraded her first-class ticket to economy class on the very day of her flight. This sudden change left her baffled and disappointed. She further revealed that she had booked her first-class ticket a month in advance, making the unexplained downgrade even more perplexing and disheartening.

“The only option that they offered me was to either fly economy at the price of a first-class ticket or to walk away and wait for the next flight,” Hyeri stated. She further added, “This is the most absurd experience I’ve been going through recently.”

Hyeri’s candid revelation shed light on the importance of transparency and clear communication in the airline industry, where passengers rely on their bookings being honored as promised. Her experience serves as a reminder of the need for airlines to provide passengers with proper explanations and alternatives in situations like these.

GIRL’S DAY is a South Korean girl group that originally debuted under Dream T Entertainment in 2010. The group’s initial lineup included members Sojin, Minah, Yura, Hyeri, Jisun, and Jiin. However, Jisun and Jiin officially departed from the group in 2010 while Jihae left in late 2012.

Following these member changes, the quartet continued their journey and went on to achieve remarkable success. They became one of the era’s most popular and commercially successful girl groups. Notably, GIRL’S DAY released a series of chart-topping hits, including “Twinkle Twinkle,” “Hug Me Once,” “Expect,” “Something,” “Darling,” and “Ring My Bell.” Each of these songs surpassed the impressive milestone of selling over one million digital copies, solidifying GIRL’S DAY’s status as a prominent and influential group in the K-pop industry.

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